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Heart Palpitations

James Kim, MD -  - Cardiologist

James Kim, MD

Cardiologist & Board Certified in Cardiovascular Diseases located in National City, CA & Chula Vista, CA

When you get excited or scared, your heart reacts by beating a little faster. However, if you experience frequent heart palpitations that cause you concern, you can schedule a comprehensive evaluation of your palpitation and heart health. At his practice in National City and Chula Vista, California, James Kim, MD, offers in-office diagnostic testing and exams to determine the cause of your heart palpitations. He works closely with you to lower your stress and prevent additional heart complications. Schedule an evaluation for your heart palpitations today by calling the office or using the convenient online booking feature.

Heart Palpitations Q & A

What is a heart palpitation?

A heart palpitation causes a sensation of your heart beating too fast or a pounding or fluttering feeling inside your chest.

In many cases, heart palpitations aren’t dangerous. However, they can be an indication that something more is wrong with your heart. 

You should schedule an evaluation with Dr. Kim if you experience frequent heart flutters or a fast heart rate, especially if you have a history of heart conditions.

What causes heart palpitations?

For some people, heart palpitations result from environmental factors, like stress or strong emotions. You can also experience heart palpitations due to anxiety or panic disorders.

Other common causes of heart palpitations include:

  • Fever
  • Exercise
  • Depression
  • Thyroid disorder
  • Hormonal changes

Using certain stimulants, such as caffeine, nicotine, and cold medications can also trigger heart palpitations. You may also have frequent heart palpitations due to an irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia.

Without proper treatment, your symptoms may worsen and lead to fainting episodes, cardiac arrest, congestive heart failure, and stroke. In some cases where an irregular heartbeat leads to poor blood flow from the heart, you can suffer heart failure.

How are heart palpitations diagnosed?

Dr. Kim performs a physical examination and may recommend heart tests, such as an electrocardiogram to learn more about the electrical impulses of your heart or an echocardiogram, an imaging test to evaluate your heart’s size and structure.

He may also suggest a Holter monitor, which requires you to wear a monitoring device that records your heart’s activity for up to 48 hours.

What treatment options are available for heart palpitations?

You may not need treatment for occasional heart palpitations. If your issues are due to an underlying heart condition, Dr. Kim can treat the condition to reduce episodes of heart palpitations.

Dr. Kim can also provide resources to help you reduce stress, and he helps you create a plan to avoid stimulants that can affect your heart. He also monitors your heart health to ensure additional complications don’t develop due to irregularities in your heart rhythm.

If heart palpitations are causing you concern, schedule a diagnostic evaluation at the office of James Kim, MD, today, online or by phone.